The Forensic Accounting Deskbook: A Practical Guide to Financial Investigation and Analysis for Family Lawyers, Second Edition

Forensic accounting can help family lawyers win their case and let their clients keep more of the money that might otherwise be taken from them by the difficult and confusing divorce process. To assist you understanding the practice of forensic accounting and business valuation and ultimately apply it to your family law cases, The Forensic Accounting Deskbook provides a basic introduction to the core financial concepts in divorce, such as asset identification, classification and valuation, income determination, and expenses.

Writing in a clear, accessible style, author Miles Mason, who is both an attorney and a CPA, provides step-by-step explanations of these "how to" mechanics. At the same time, he also explores higher-level strategic concerns that are appropriate for high-asset and high-conflict cases. He connects the dots and fills in the gaps among the interrelated topics involved in divorce, from methodology to testimony. Ideal for both the seasoned and less experienced family law practitioner, topics in this updated edition include:

What is forensic accounting, and why do you need it?

• Engaging a forensic accountant
• Basic accounting principles
• Reading a financial statement
• How to look for hidden assets
• Discovery, subpoenas, and depositions
• Asset identification and clarification
• Determining income and the importance of lifestyle analysis
• Reports and testimony
• Ethics, standards, and confidentiality

The book also includes useful appendices available both in the book and at an online forms library, including a deposition question checklist, a sample agreement for expert consulting services, a sample company's financial statements, and a sample forensic accounting report.